Description
Chapman University, a nationally ranked, mid-sized, student-centered private research institution with campuses in Orange and Irvine, California, seeks an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking strategic leader to serve as the Associate Vice President of Strategic and Integrated Communications.
Chapman University is known for its commitment to excellence through innovative teaching and research, as well as its distinctive approach to personalized education. The institution has experienced unprecedented growth during the last 30 years, evolving from a regional college with approximately 2,000 students to a nationally ranked, R2 comprehensive research university of nearly 10,000 students.
Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs, the Associate Vice President of Strategic and Integrated Communications (AVP) will manage the university's strategic and operational communications strategies and optimize its operations. The Associate Vice President provides executive counsel to senior leaders across the university and, on occasion, will act as the chief spokesperson for the university.
As the university's most senior communications officer, the AVP will envision a comprehensive approach to integrated and strategic communications, media, and constituent relations, advancing operational excellence, and serving as an advocate and champion of the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC). The AVP will oversee a communications team of five staff and will serve as a member of the SMC leadership team.
The role will support the SVP in promoting a unit of high-performing professionals through best practices in management, strategic planning, and staffing. The role will lead directors and staff through operations and business processes to develop a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.
The AVP will regularly assess and benchmark the department's structure, capacity, and resources to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and strategic objectives. As an exceptional communicator and impactful presenter with a range of audiences, the AVP will have demonstrable experience leveraging paid, earned, owned, and shared media campaigns with transformative impact across internal and external audiences.
A primary responsibility of the role is protecting the university's reputation through issues management, crisis communications, and strategic initiatives. The AVP will maintain the living plan for these activities while mentoring senior, mid-career, and junior staff to ensure sufficient business continuity of crisis response. The role will work closely with university partners, including general counsel, public safety, risk management, and functional leads across the university. The AVP will champion a results-oriented culture grounded in data and accountability. This leader will encourage thoughtful innovation, support calculated risk-taking, and possess the judgment to adapt strategies when outcomes fall short of expectations. The successful candidate will foster an environment that embraces creativity, continuous learning, and bold thinking.
Most importantly, the AVP must be a highly collaborative and relationship-oriented leader. Chapman's culture is deeply rooted in partnership and mutual respect. Individuals who approach their work with humility, positive intent, and a commitment to teamwork will thrive in this environment.
This position is located on Chapman's Orange campus. The AVP is expected to be on campus every weekday and available after hours in times of issues and crisis or strategic importance.
WittKieffer is assisting Chapman University with this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.
All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Jen Meyers Pickard, Ph.D., Melissa Fincher, and Jenna Brumleve.
The anticipated salary range for this position is $200,000-$225,000 and includes a generous benefits package.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
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